The County Government of Busia has unveiled a comprehensive youth mentorship programme aimed at equipping young people with skills, guidance and professional networks to ease their transition from education into the job market.
The initiative follows concerns raised by a section of youth who cited lack of mentorship and structured support as a major challenge as they navigate education pathways, career choices and employment opportunities.
Speaking during a youth leadership summit at Kamuriai ACK Church in Teso North Sub- County, Busia Deputy Governor Arthur Odera said the county would establish a structured mentorship network linking experienced professionals with young people across the county.
The summit was organized by Jenga Afrihub and Youth for Change organizations with support from the county government.
“We have identified professionals in various fields who are willing and ready to mentor our youth. This network will connect mentors to mentees and ensure that young people receive the guidance and exposure they need to succeed,” said Odera.
He urged youth to embrace mentorship opportunities, emphasizing that personal commitment plays a critical role in the success of such programmes.
“Mentorship succeeds when there is a willing mentor and a willing mentee. Young people must be open to guidance in order to grow, develop and realize their full potential,” he said.
Odera acknowledged that mentorship begins early in life, from Early Childhood Development Education through secondary school and university, and stressed the importance of government policies that support apprenticeship, internships, industrial attachments and on-the-job training in preparing youth for employment.
He encouraged young people to take advantage of such opportunities whenever they arise.
The Deputy Governor highlighted several county initiatives supporting youth empowerment, including the Tujiajiri programme implemented in partnership with Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB), which equips young people with technical and entrepreneurial skills to enhance self-reliance.
He also revealed that an Artificial Intelligence (AI) training programme is currently underway in the county, with many youths already enrolled. The programme trains participants in technology-driven agriculture, performing arts, online work opportunities, and digital device repair and maintenance.
According to Odera, the county last year recruited 4,000 Community Digital Champions (CDCs), the majority of whom were youth, who subsequently trained over 400,000 residents in basic digital literacy skills.
“All these are mentorship opportunities. We urge youth to understand their mentoring needs, identify available opportunities and take advantage of them. As a county government, we remain committed to supporting their growth and development,” he said.
The county government expressed optimism that the structured mentorship network will bridge the gap between education and employment while nurturing a generation of skilled, confident and economically empowered youth.
